Chapter 11

Life at the Grand Academy of Magic

First week after the evaluation

Carsel was woken by the sound of the academy bell reverberating across the island at six in the morning. The sound would be heard seven times throughout the day – marking times for waking, breakfast, first class, lunch break, afternoon classes, dinner, and bedtime. A strict, military-like routine, far different from the relaxed life in the bamboo hut.

"Wake up, everyone!" shouted a senior student acting as the Onyx Dormitory prefect. "Breakfast in thirty minutes!"

Carsel got out of bed with a yawn. His room contained four bunk beds with minimal facilities – no heating, limited hot water, and a cracked window letting in cold air. It was a far cry from the Ruby or Sapphire Dormitories, which had individual rooms with full amenities.

His three roommates were already stirring. Korgan, the half-orc, grunted in annoyance while searching for his clean clothes. Timmy, the shy boy, quietly tidied his bed. Vex, the elf boy obsessed with necromancy, was busy reading a book and muttering strange incantations.

"First day of classes," Korgan mumbled. "What subjects did you lot pick?"

"Martial arts and survival," Carsel replied, opening his small wardrobe. "You?"

"Martial arts too. And beast taming. Want to train an orc war beast like my grandad."

Timmy, in an almost whisper, said, "I... alchemy and herbology. Safer."

Vex chuckled softly. "I'm a mage class with a dark magic focus. And alchemy to make poisons."

Carsel frowned. "Isn't dark magic forbidden?"

"Not forbidden, but... suspected," Vex replied with a mysterious smile. "That's why I'm glad to have a fellow elementalist."

ACADEMY UNIFORM SYSTEM

In his small wardrobe, Carsel found seven different sets of uniforms, each with a specific function:

 * Daily Uniform - White shirt, black trousers, navy blazer with the dormitory emblem on the left chest. For theoretical classes.

 * Practice Uniform - Elastic long-sleeved shirt, sturdy training trousers, leather boots. Different colours per dormitory (Onyx = dark grey).

 * Laboratory Uniform - White overalls with protection runes, special gloves, safety goggles. For alchemy and research.

 * Formal Uniform - Black suit with gold embroidery, white shirt, tie. For ceremonies and important events.

 * Sports Uniform - T-shirt and shorts made of sweat-wicking material. Enchanted for body temperature regulation.

 * Expedition Uniform - Thick weather-resistant jacket, cargo trousers with many pockets, hiking boots. For survival classes.

 * Dormitory Uniform - Casual clothes for wear inside the dormitory after class hours.

Today was the first day of theoretical classes, so Carsel wore his daily uniform. The Onyx emblem on his chest – a black obsidian image with a silver border – felt heavy with the meaning of his social status.

ACADEMY LEARNING STRUCTURE

After breakfast in the canteen (where social hierarchy was already evident from the seating arrangements), all first-year students gathered in the Great Hall for an orientation on the learning system.

Professor Aldric stood at the podium with a giant map of the academy behind him. "New students, welcome to your first week of formal learning. The Grand Academy of Magic has a comprehensive and flexible learning system."

He pointed to various buildings on the map. "You will attend two types of classes: Mandatory Core Classes that all students must take, and Elective Classes that you can choose according to your interests and talents."

MANDATORY CORE CLASSES (Compulsory for all students):

 * Basic Magic Theory - Understanding the fundamentals of magical energy

 * World History - Celestial War, royal politics, etc.

 * Mathematics & Logic - Calculations for spell casting

 * Ancient Languages - For reading grimoires and ancient texts

 * Ethics & Philosophy - Moral responsibility in using power

ELECTIVE CLASSES (Choose a minimum of 3, maximum of 5):

Combat Classes:

 * Swordsman Class - Sword techniques, weapon mastery, combat tactics

 * Mage Class - Spell casting, elemental mastery, magical theory

 * Martial Arts Class - Hand-to-hand combat, internal energy, flexibility

 * Archery Class - Precision shooting, enchanted arrows, hunting techniques

Support Classes:

 * Healer Class - Medical magic, anatomy, emergency treatment

 * Alchemy Class - Potion making, chemical transmutation, poison craft

 * Herbology Class - Plant study, magical herbs, ecosystem balance

 * Enchanting Class - Item enhancement, rune crafting, magical engineering

Specialised Classes:

 * Beast Taming Class - Monster psychology, summoning, companion bonding

 * Survival Class - Wilderness skills, navigation, resource management

 * Diplomacy Class - Negotiation, inter-racial relations, politics

 * Research Class - Ancient mysteries, spell development, theory crafting

"You have one week to try various classes before making your final choices," Professor Aldric continued. "Choose wisely, as this will determine your future career path."

CARSEL'S DAILY SCHEDULE

After the orientation, Carsel received his daily schedule:

06:00 - Wake up, personal hygiene

06:30 - Breakfast in the canteen

07:30 - Basic Magic Theory (Mandatory)

09:00 - Swordsman Class (Trial week)

10:30 - Break

11:00 - Survival Class (Trial week)

12:30 - Lunch

14:00 - World History (Mandatory)

15:30 - Alchemy Class (Trial week)

17:00 - Personal training time

18:00 - Dinner

19:00 - Study time / homework

21:00 - Free time

22:00 - Lights out

FIRST CLASS: BASIC MAGIC THEORY

The Basic Magic Theory classroom was a large amphitheatre that could accommodate 200 students. Students from all dormitories mixed here, but there was still an unwritten segregation – Ruby at the front, Sapphire in the middle, Emerald at the back, and Onyx in the very back corner near the door.

Professor Marlena, an elf woman around 300 years old with long silver hair, stood at the podium with colourful crystals floating around her.

"Magic is the manifestation of will directed through mana," she said in a clear and authoritative voice. "Without a proper understanding of these fundamentals, you will be nothing more than street conjurers capable only of party tricks."

She waved her hand, and the crystals merged into a complex diagram showing the flow of magical energy in the human body.

"There are three components to every spell: Intent, Focus, and Channel. Students who rely solely on raw power without these three components will—"

Her gaze fell towards the corner where the Onyx students sat, particularly on Carsel who was diligently taking notes.

"—will be dangerous to themselves and others."

Several students turned towards Carsel, whispering. He felt his face heat up but kept his focus on his notes.

She didn't mention my name, but her meaning was clear, Carsel thought, annoyed.

"Now, who can explain the difference between elemental affinity and elemental mastery?" Professor Marlena asked.

Dozens of hands shot up, mostly from Ruby and Sapphire. Rion raised his hand confidently.

"Yes, Mr Moonstone?"

"Elemental affinity is our natural connection to a specific element determined at birth. Elemental mastery is the ability to control and manipulate that element through practice and study."

"Excellent! 10 points for Ruby Dormitory."

Carsel clenched his fists. He knew that answer too – Sage had taught him years ago. But he was never given a chance to answer.

The class continued with demonstrations of basic spells. When students were asked to try, the results varied. Rion and some Ruby students could cast spells with ease. Onyx students... were not so successful.

Carsel tried the basic light spell taught, but what emerged was a dim, dark glow – a result of his dark affinity. Some students recoiled uncomfortably.

"Mr Nightshade," Professor Marlena called out in a cold tone. "Dark magic requires extra caution. Perhaps you should focus on theory first before practice."

Again. Again I'm singled out because of my dark affinity.

"But Professor, I've already—"

"Theory first, Mr Nightshade."

A subtle but firm dismissal. Carsel sat back down, his face flushed, while around him he could hear whispers about "dangerous dark magic users."

SWORDSMAN CLASS

The second class was the one Carsel looked forward to most – Swordsman Class. This was an area where he was sure he could excel.

The training ground for swordsmen was a spacious outdoor arena with various dummies, an obstacle course, and weapon racks. The instructor was Professor Hendricks, a former knight captain with scars on his face and a build that was still strong despite being in his 50s.

"A swordsman isn't just about swinging a sword," he said loudly, walking in front of the 30 students attending the trial class. "A swordsman is a warrior, a tactician, and a protector. You must master physical skill, mental discipline, and a spiritual connection with your weapon."

Carsel felt excited. This sounded exactly like what Gareth had taught him for years.

"Now, pick up a training sword and demonstrate your basic stance."

Carsel confidently took a wooden sword. Eight years of training wouldn't be in vain. He adopted a perfect stance – left foot slightly forward, weight balanced, sword raised at an optimal angle.

"Good," Professor Hendricks commented, seeing Carsel's posture. "Mr Nightshade, isn't it? A solid stance."

Finally, positive recognition! Carsel felt his confidence beginning to return.

But then Professor Hendricks got to Revan Silverlake.

"Excellent, Mr Silverlake! Perfect posture, natural grip. Who was your teacher?"

"My father, Professor. He's a former Grandmaster Swordsman."

"Ah, the Silverlake family is indeed renowned for its swordsmen. Let's see your basic forms."

Revan performed a series of flowing and precise movements. Every slash, thrust, and parry was executed with almost dance-like grace, yet with astonishing power and accuracy.

"Outstanding! This is what I call natural talent!"

Spontaneous applause from the other students. Carsel felt the familiar sting of jealousy.

Of course, he gets more praise. His father's a Grandmaster, while I'm... an orphan trained by an exiled knight.

"Now you will pair up for basic sparring. Mr Silverlake, choose your partner."

Revan looked around, and his eyes stopped on Carsel. "I choose Nightshade."

There was a moment of silence. All eyes were on the two of them.

He chose me? Why?

"Interesting choice," Professor Hendricks said. "Very well. The rest of you pair yourselves."

Carsel and Revan faced each other in the centre of the arena. For the first time, Carsel was directly confronting one of the academy's "elite."

"Don't overthink," Revan said, his voice just loud enough for Carsel to hear. "Just fight."

Easy to say for someone who always wins.

"Ready... begin!"

Carsel attacked first with a combination he had memorised – a thrust followed by a horizontal slash. But Revan parried easily and counter-attacked with surprising speed.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Their swords met repeatedly. Carsel realised that although his technique was solid, Revan was on a different level. Every movement of the boy was efficient, calculated, and powerful.

Within three minutes, Carsel was overwhelmed. His breath grew heavier while Revan still looked fresh.

"Enough!" Professor Hendricks called out. "Excellent display, both of you. Mr Silverlake, exceptional precision. Mr Nightshade, solid technique, though you need improvement in stamina and speed."

Carsel nodded, trying to regulate his breathing. He hadn't been utterly defeated, but he was clearly not Revan's equal.

At least I didn't make a complete fool of myself, he thought with relief.

The rest of the class was filled with practicing forms and basic techniques. Carsel felt more confident here – eight years of training with Gareth made him familiar with all the basic moves.

SURVIVAL CLASS

The third class was Survival Class, held in the artificial forest behind the academy. This area was created with magic to simulate various environments – from tropical jungles to snowy tundras.

The instructor was Professor Kaine, a former ranger with hawk-like eyes and movements as silent as a shadow.

"Survival isn't about fighting monsters or casting spells," he said, walking among the trees. "Survival is about adaptation, resource management, and decision-making under pressure."

He stopped in a small clearing where various survival equipment was scattered.

"You will be divided into groups of five. First mission: survive in the forest for 6 hours without supplies, with only basic tools."

Carsel ended up in a group with four students he didn't know – two from Emerald, one from Sapphire, and one from Onyx like himself.

"Great," one of the Emerald students muttered. "Got two Onyx. This is bound to be a disaster."

Carsel felt the familiar sting, but he suppressed his anger. He would prove that Onyx students weren't as bad as they thought.

"I have experience in the wilderness," Carsel said calmly. "I know how to make fire without magic and find edible plants."

"Really?" the Sapphire student looked at him sceptically. "Where did you learn?"

"I lived in the forest before joining the academy."

It wasn't a lie – Sage's hut was indeed in the middle of Oblivion Forest, and Gareth had taught him basic survival skills.

Their group was given a dense forest area with a small stream in the middle. Their task: make a shelter, find food, create fire, and navigate back to the starting point before sunset.

For the first time since entering the academy, Carsel felt useful. He knew how to identify edible berries, make fire with friction, and construct a basic shelter with branches and leaves.

"Impressive," commented the Emerald student when he saw Carsel successfully make a fire with two sticks. "I couldn't do that."

"The trick is finding the right type of wood and maintaining consistent pressure," Carsel explained, blowing on the small flame until it became a proper fire.

For the first time, he was treated as a valued team member instead of a burden. That feeling... was nice.

Their group successfully completed all tasks and returned on time. Professor Kaine gave them a "Good" rating for teamwork and practical skills.

"Well done, Mr Nightshade," he said to Carsel. "Natural aptitude for wilderness survival."

Carsel felt a warm feeling in his chest. Finally, there was one area where he could excel.

DINNER AND REFLECTION

That evening in the canteen, Carsel sat with other Onyx students, reflecting on his first day. The hierarchy system was still evident – Ruby got the best food and front tables, while Onyx got the leftovers at the back tables.

But he felt a little more optimistic than before.

"How was your first day?" Korgan asked, chewing on some rather hard bread.

"Survival class was fun," Carsel replied. "I felt... useful for the first time."

"I liked Martial Arts," Korgan said with a grin. "Instructor said I have natural power."

Timmy said softly, "Alchemy... wasn't as bad as I thought. Peaceful."

Vex chuckled. "Mage class was interesting. Professor was surprised by my dark magic control."

Perhaps, Carsel thought, perhaps there was hope for them. Perhaps being an Onyx student didn't mean they were worthless.

At the Ruby table, he could see Rion surrounded by admirers, laughing confidently and charismatically. Revan sat quieter but was also clearly respected.

One day, Carsel thought, looking towards them, I'll sit at that table. Or at least, they'll respect me as they respect Revan.

I just need time.

But what he didn't know was that in a few weeks, the real challenges would just begin. And the path to respect and acceptance would be far more difficult and painful than he imagined.

Outside the canteen window, the full moon shone with a cold and distant light, as if knowing the struggles that lay ahead for a child desperate for belonging in a world that wasn't easy on those who were different.